Las Vegas is a desert mirage with real history. Born a railroad outpost in 1905 and turbocharged by the 1931 legalization of gaming, it grew from neon motels to megaresorts, showrooms, and bucket-list dining. Today, the Strip dazzles with spectacles like the Bellagio fountains and the Sphere while Downtown preserves the city’s vintage heartbeat.

Beyond blackjack tables, Vegas is a launchpad to the American Southwest. Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and the Grand Canyon West Rim are all within day-trip range, delivering sandstone cathedrals and cinematic vistas. Back in town, you’ll find art at AREA15, gourmet dumplings at ARIA, and cocktails under a chandelier of crystal at The Cosmopolitan.

Practical notes: the Mojave Desert is dry and sunny—hydrate, wear SPF, and plan midday breaks in summer. Expect nightly resort fees, and book popular restaurants and shows weeks ahead. The Las Vegas Monorail is handy on the east side of the Strip (single ride about $5; 24-hour pass about $15), and rideshares have designated pick-up zones at every resort.

Las Vegas

Why go now: World-class dining, headline residencies, and fresh icons like the Sphere keep the city evolving—while classics like the Neon Museum and Fremont Street deliver vintage Vegas charm.

• Top sights: Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains, The Sphere, High Roller, Fremont Street Experience, Neon Museum, Mob Museum, Red Rock Canyon.
• Food highlights: Dim sum artistry at Din Tai Fung (ARIA), Northern Thai at Lotus of Siam (Flamingo Rd), handmade pastas at Esther’s Kitchen (Arts District), old-school steaks at Golden Steer, and indulgent late-night slices at Secret Pizza (The Cosmopolitan).
• Fun facts: The Strip isn’t in Las Vegas proper—it’s in Paradise, an unincorporated town. And the Hoover Dam once used enough concrete to pave a road from San Francisco to New York.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• The Venetian Resort — Palatial all-suites, gondolas, and exceptional dining from Bouchon to Mott 32.
• The LINQ Hotel + Experience — Value-friendly in the center of the Strip, steps from the High Roller and promenade.
• Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino — Tropical pool complex, easy access to Allegiant Stadium and the Shark Reef Aquarium.
• Circus Circus Hotel & Casino — Budget base with an indoor Adventuredome theme park (great for families).

Compare more stays on Hotels.com or browse apartments and homes on VRBO.

Getting there: McCarran—now Harry Reid International (LAS)—has frequent nonstops from most U.S. hubs. Typical flight times: 1–1.5 hours from LAX/SAN, ~2 hours from Denver/Phoenix, ~4–5 hours from Chicago/Atlanta, and ~5–6 hours from NYC/BOS. Check fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com; expect ~$80–$350 roundtrip domestically depending on dates.

Airport to hotel: Rideshare/taxi to mid-Strip runs 10–20 minutes, usually $15–$35. The RTC Deuce bus serves the Strip/Downtown 24/7; the Las Vegas Monorail is convenient for east-Strip resorts.

Day 1 — Arrival, AREA15’s Omega Mart, and the Strip by Night

Afternoon: Land in LAS and check in. If you’re peckish, go retro at Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge for over-the-top omelets and neon-lit booths, or grab refined pastries and a cappuccino at Bouchon Bakery in The Venetian.

Plunge into immersive art at Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart inside AREA15—part surreal supermarket, part sci‑fi portal. Expect hidden doors, trippy soundscapes, and photo‑worthy installations; plan 60–90 minutes (tickets typically ~$59 adults). Book here: Meow Wolf's Omega Mart at AREA15.

Evening: Sit down for an early dinner on the Strip. Two strong picks: Din Tai Fung (ARIA) for silky xiao long bao and spicy noodles, or Best Friend by Roy Choi (Park MGM) for Korean-Mex comfort hits like short-rib tacos and kimchi fried rice.

Then let the city introduce itself from an open‑top seat on the Big Bus Las Vegas: Sightseeing Night Tour—a breezy loop of neon icons, the Welcome sign, and Fremont Street, typically 2.5–3 hours (~$55–$65). Reserve here: Big Bus Las Vegas Night Tour.

Cap the night with a cocktail under 2 million crystals at The Chandelier (The Cosmopolitan)—try the secret Verbena if available—or the sweeping 23rd‑floor views at SkyBar (Waldorf Astoria).

Day 2 — Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip (with Hoover Dam Stop)

Trade neon for Navajo sandstone on a full‑day coach excursion to the Grand Canyon West Rim, operated with convenient Strip pick‑ups. You’ll typically depart ~6:30–7:30 a.m., pause at Hoover Dam/Lake Mead overlooks, and reach West Rim viewpoints like Eagle Point and Guano Point by late morning. Add the glass Skywalk if you love a thrill; tours usually include lunch options and return to Vegas ~7–8 p.m. Expect around 12 hours total and ~$140–$200 depending on inclusions.

Our recommended option: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Lunch and Skywalk.

Back in Vegas, keep dinner simple and satisfying: Tacos El Gordo (al pastor carved to order) or Secret Pizza (unmarked slice shop) inside The Cosmopolitan for late-night fuel. If you still have energy, consider a quick 10–12 minute Las Vegas Helicopter Night Strip Flight for a bird’s‑eye finale (~$120–$150; hotel transfers available). Book here: Las Vegas Helicopter Night Strip Flight Tour with Optional Dinner.

Day 3 — Brunch, Art, and Farewell (Departure in the Afternoon)

Morning: Ease into the day with artisan coffee in the Arts District at Vesta Coffee Roasters (get the nitro cold brew) or head to PublicUs Downtown for a cortado and a savory “Manhattan” toast. For a proper send-off, book brunch at Sadelle’s (Bellagio—bagel towers with a Conservatory view) or sample a greatest-hits buffet at Bacchanal (Caesars Palace; reserve ahead on weekends).

Afternoon (pre-flight): Fit in a last stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory or browse vintage signs at the Neon Museum (daytime tickets are easier than night). If your flight is later, duck into the Mob Museum for Prohibition tales and the speakeasy-style bar in the basement.

Lunch options before you go: In Chinatown, Lotus of Siam delights with khao soi and crispy garlic prawns; in the Arts District, Esther’s Kitchen crafts impeccable sourdough bread, cacio e pepe, and seasonal veg. If you’re airport-bound, grab a quick bite at Eataly (Park MGM) or hit In‑N‑Out near the LINQ for a classic Double‑Double.

Optional add-ons for another visit or a free half-day:

• Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon: Hike among crimson fins and petroglyphs; go guided if you prefer not to drive.
• Show night: Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at Bellagio for aquatic acrobatics, “KÀ” at MGM Grand for martial-arts spectacle, or the raucous variety show “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace.
• Downtown cocktails: Reserve the intimate The Laundry Room speakeasy inside Commonwealth or order a tropical number at The Golden Tiki in Chinatown.

Good-to-know tips: Dress codes are relaxed but upscale spots appreciate smart casual. Bring a government ID for casinos, clubs, and lounges. Summer afternoons are toasty—plan pools and museums midday; sunsets are best for outdoor photo ops.

Quick booking hub: Flights on Trip.com and Kiwi.com • Stays via Hotels.com and VRBO.

One more iconic view (if you skipped last night): Consider the shorter Las Vegas Strip Highlights by Helicopter at Night on a future trip for pure neon bliss from the sky.

In three days you’ll experience Vegas at its most vivid—immersive art, sky-high views, and the cinematic sweep of the Grand Canyon—balanced with memorable meals and classic spectacles. Consider this your blueprint for a return visit with time for Red Rock trails, a chef’s counter tasting, or a headliner at the Sphere.